According to my Microsoft Money 2004 report, my investments did well in 2004.
My 401(k) produced a 23.9% return over the year, not accounting for my employer match, just the change in fund values. My Roth IRA delivered a 17.2% return. I have a regular investment account that provided me with a less impressive 6.8% return.
The weighted average annual return of all my investments was 18.7%.
January has been a down month in the stock market. Many people are saying that a poorly performing January signals a poorly performing year ahead. We’ll have to see what happens.
This is what I should be thinking about for 2005. The article paints a picture of Rick Kuhlman who has found some ways to save that I think could apply to me.
He replaced all the lightbulbs in his house with energy-efficient ones. At first I thought that it would be better to wait for the current bulbs to die, but saving $20 a month in electricity definitely outweighs just waiting for the old, non-efficient bulbs to die.
Rick switched from cable to satellite. For cable television, I pay about $80 a month, or $960 a year. That’s with a special promotion. I should really re-evaluate my needs. Yes, I like having HBO On Demand so I can watch certain programs with guests. I like having Bravo as I enjoy Celebrity Poker Showdown and The West Wing.
Thinking about it, it would actually be cheaper to buy those shows on DVD when they come out rather than having cable. Perhaps I can just visit a friend who would tape them on TiVo.
My desktop computer has TiVo functionality, so even with basic cable I could still view and record the new episodes of The West Wing.
The Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen are now twin queens of their media empire. Not bad for only 18. Apparently their attorney, who helped them build the Olsen Twin Empire and has been CEO of their company, agreed to let the twins take over their business if compensated, and in his own words he was, handsomely.
Joining her sister in a statement, Mary-Kate Olsen said: “We are very thankful that we are able to enjoy our college experience, run a business, and live our lives.”
If you enjoy reading Consumerism Commentary (that’s this website, the blog you are now reading), please take a moment to vote for us at the Business Blogging Awards. We’ve been nominated under the “personal finance blog” category. I am pretty sure that we’re not going to win, but it would be nice not to be embarassed.
Thanks to all the readers who come by every day and especially those who comment and add to the discussions.
Luke Landes founded Consumerism Commentary in 2003 and has been building online communities since 1990. Luke, also known as Flexo, has contributed to PC World Magazine, US News, Forbes, and other publications. 
